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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Haridwar locals struggle to sell properties near waste site where civic body bought land at inflated rate
HARIDWAR : The alleged scam involving the sale of a 2.3-hectare plot next to a garbage dumping site in Sarai village has left locals stunned. Villagers were shocked to learn that the Haridwar Nagar Nigam purchased the land for Rs 54 crore, even as they themselves struggle to sell their properties, despite slashing prices, due to the foul odour and polluted air from the dumping site. Action has been taken against 12 officials, including Haridwar district magistrate (DM) Karmendra Singh , sub-divisional magistrate Ajayveer Singh and the then commissioner of the Haridwar Municipal Corporation . The alleged scam centres on the conversion of the land's use from agricultural to commercial, inflating its value from Rs 15 crore to Rs 54 crore. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued directions to cancel the sale deed and recover the payment made to the farmers whose bank accounts have been frozen. Ironically, the same farmers who secured the inflated rate had previously been unable to find buyers due to the site's proximity to the dumping ground. The facility has made daily life difficult for residents, especially when it comes to arranging marriages for their children. Residents are furious that despite repeated promises by the municipal corporation to manage waste properly, garbage continues to pile up at the site. That the same corporation is now embroiled in the scam has only deepened public anger. A resident, Lakshmi Devi, told TOI, "Before the dumping ground, we were happy. The entire village was living a good life, but now it is like living in hell. Our relatives shy away from coming to our homes, and we are facing difficulties searching for a groom and bride for the young ones. Somehow girls find grooms, but no one is ready to marry the local boys. Garbage burns continuously, and old people and children are facing breathing problems." Many residents are desperate to relocate, but efforts to sell their properties have failed. Local resident Rahul Kumar said, "We do not want to live here. Many have moved to other areas and are living in rented accommodation, while others are trying to sell their property but no one comes forward due to the dumping ground, even at very low prices. We are surprised how the municipal corporation bought land at a commercial rate." For now, villagers are left to endure the stench and pollution as the case unfolds.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Haridwar land scam: Locals struggle to sell properties near waste site where civic body bought land at inflated rate
Haridwar: The alleged scam involving the sale of a 2.3-hectare plot next to a garbage dumping site in Sarai village has left locals stunned. Villagers were shocked to learn that the Haridwar Nagar Nigam purchased the land for Rs 54 crore, even as they themselves struggle to sell their properties, despite slashing prices, due to the foul odour and polluted air from the dumping site. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Action has been taken against 12 officials, including Haridwar district magistrate (DM) Karmendra Singh, sub-divisional magistrate Ajayveer Singh and the then commissioner of the Haridwar Municipal Corporation. The alleged scam centres on the conversion of the land's use from agricultural to commercial, inflating its value from Rs 15 crore to Rs 54 crore. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued directions to cancel the sale deed and recover the payment made to the farmers whose bank accounts have been frozen. Ironically, the same farmers who secured the inflated rate had previously been unable to find buyers due to the site's proximity to the dumping ground. The facility has made daily life difficult for residents, especially when it comes to arranging marriages for their children. Residents are furious that despite repeated promises by the municipal corporation to manage waste properly, garbage continues to pile up at the site. That the same corporation is now embroiled in the scam has only deepened public anger. A resident, Lakshmi Devi, told TOI, "Before the dumping ground, we were happy. The entire village was living a good life, but now it is like living in hell. Our relatives shy away from coming to our homes, and we are facing difficulties searching for a groom and bride for the young ones. Somehow girls find grooms, but no one is ready to marry the local boys. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Garbage burns continuously, and old people and children are facing breathing problems. " Many residents are desperate to relocate, but efforts to sell their properties have failed. Local resident Rahul Kumar said, "We do not want to live here. Many have moved to other areas and are living in rented accommodation, while others are trying to sell their property but no one comes forward due to the dumping ground, even at very low prices. We are surprised how the municipal corporation bought land at a commercial rate. " For now, villagers are left to endure the stench and pollution as the case unfolds.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
District Magistrate among 3 top Haridwar officials suspended over ‘land scam', Dhami asks Vigilance to probe
The Uttarakhand government suspended two IAS officers and a Provincial Civil Service (PCS) officer following an inquiry into an alleged land scam in Haridwar. The suspended officers are Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajayveer Singh. An inquiry into the alleged scam was conducted by a senior officer in the Secretariat. According to officials to whom the report was submitted, the scam involved the officers allegedly facilitating the conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural land, resulting in an increased valuation, after which the corporation acquired it for a higher price. The seller of the plot of land had submitted an application for conversion of land use in July, which was approved in October 2024. An official said, 'The agricultural land, according to the circle rate, was valued at Rs 15 crore. But with the conversion, the circle rate shot up, and it was acquired for over Rs 52 crore. The whole procedure took place without seeking approval from the government.' Following the suspension, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a detailed investigation into the matter by the Vigilance Department. The sale deed related to the land scam has been cancelled, and orders have been issued to recover the money paid to the landowners. The Chief Minister has also directed a special audit of all works carried out during the tenure of Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary in the corporation to look into any financial irregularities. In the suspension order, the Municipal Corporation has been accused of committing irregularities in the acquisition of 2.3 hectares of land in village Sarai in Haridwar. 'As per the preliminary inquiry report dated 29-05-2025 received through the Urban Development Department, Ajayveer Singh (PCS), then Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Haridwar / currently SDM, Bhagwanpur, has been found prima facie responsible for potential collusion with the land sellers. Within a short period, he facilitated the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural under section 143 of the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, without complying with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) laid down by the Uttarakhand Revenue Council. He also violated other relevant rules and misused his official position,' the order stated. The other two officers — the DM, who was then the administrator of the corporation, and the Municipal Commissioner — have been accused of neglecting official duties, failing to follow the prescribed procedures, not safeguarding the interests of the corporation, and violating rules. DM Karmendra Singh and SDM Ajayveer Singh did not respond to calls from The Indian Express seeking their comment on the matter. Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary said he could not comment as an inquiry is underway. A total of 10 officials have been suspended in this matter so far. Aiswarya Raj is a correspondent with The Indian Express who covers South Haryana. An alumna of Asian College of Journalism and the University of Kerala, she started her career at The Indian Express as a sub-editor in the Delhi city team. In her current position, she reports from Gurgaon and covers the neighbouring districts. She likes to tell stories of people and hopes to find moorings in narrative journalism. ... Read More
